Negative attitudes within the workplace can lead to several problems. Customers do not like doing business with an employee who is negative. This casts your business in a bad light. A negative atmosphere within a company can lead to declining morale and a poor work environment. This in turn leads to a lack of productivity and difficulty retaining employees. It is vital to change attitudes in the workplace so that they are positive and lead to a healthy business environment.

1. Set an example. The tone of the manager or company owner often sets the tone of the entire office. If you are a negative person, or are chronically upset and in a bad mood, this will rub off on your employees. If you want your employees to be positive, be the first one to set a good example. While everyone can't positive 100 percent of the time, making a commitment to having a positive attitude and sticking with that commitment is essential.

2. Find motivators for your employees. Every person is a unique individual, and he will have unique motivators that help create a positive attitude. Some employees may be goal oriented and need to feel that they are accomplishing these goals and being recognized for their achievements. Others may be motivated by monetary rewards. Find what works for each of your employees and implement strategies to get your workforce motivated and positive.

3. Remove troublemakers. One employee with a bad attitude can ruin the whole atmosphere of your business and demolish morale. Talk to employees who seem to be in a chronically poor mood and discuss why they act this way. Give them a chance to improve their behavior. If they do not, you may need to transfer them to another department or terminate them.

4. Create the right atmosphere. A clean, well-maintained and well-lit work environment goes a long way toward improving morale. An office or work place should be tidy and the overall tone should be cheery. This can be accomplished through the use of wall color and artwork and having equipment modern equipment.

5. Praise, encourage and acknowledge good attitudes. No one wants to feel as though she is not appreciated. Establish a reward system for your employees, and frequently encourage and praise their successes. Avoid berating them for mistakes, and use a positive approach to get them to complete their tasks. Always acknowledge a job well done and make sure your employees know that they are appreciated for the good work that they do.

6. Offer support for employees going through difficult periods. Sometimes, employees who are normally positive people may exhibit negative behavior. If this behavior is sustained, it may be a sign that something is going wrong in some part of their lives. Establish an open-door policy under which employees are free to discuss their problems with you. If you have the resources, set up an employee counseling service or contract with one for those going through rough patches in their lives.

About the Author

Kate McFarlin is a licensed insurance agent with extensive experience in covering topics related to marketing, small business, personal finance and home improvement. She began her career as a Web designer and also specializes in audio/video mixing and design.